Ms Kaur's two sons, aged 16 and 17, were sitting in the back of the vehicle and are said to be recovering from the collision which took place in Bury New Road on the evening of September 1.

Sergeant Danny Byrne, from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This has been a very complicated and sensitive investigation and we have liaised closely with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout our inquiries.

"As a result, the Crown Prosecution Service have now authorised two charges of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation and media interest in this incident, but it is now more important than ever that we do not speculate about what happened.

"This case, and the facts, will be heard before a court and it is important we respect the integrity of that legal process."

Meppen-Walter, of Middleton Road, Blackley, will appear before Manchester Magistrates' Court on February 7.

The Bury-born defender has been at the Premier League club since 2003 and has represented England at under-17 level.